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Cell-mediated immune reactions in measles
Acta Virologica
|March 1, 1980
Summary
Measles cell-mediated immunity, assessed by blastic transformation and leukocyte migration inhibition, becomes positive early in illness and in contacts. Glucocorticosteroids delay these immune responses.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Virology
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Measles is a highly contagious viral illness.
- Understanding cell-mediated immunity in measles is crucial for diagnosis and management.
- Assessing immune responses in contacts can aid in early detection and control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate cell-mediated immune reactions in measles patients and their contacts.
- To investigate the impact of glucocorticosteroids on these immune responses.
- To determine if cell-mediated immunity changes precede clinical symptom onset.
Main Methods:
- Assessed phytohaemagglutinin-stimulated blastic transformation.
- Evaluated leukocyte migration inhibition.
- Compared responses in measles cases, direct contacts, and healthy children.
Main Results:
- Positive cell-mediated reactions were observed in measles cases and contacts within one to two weeks of symptom onset.
- Glucocorticosteroid treatment delayed and diminished leukocyte migration inhibition.
- Seronegative contacts showed positive cell-mediated reactions potentially before clinical symptoms appeared.
Conclusions:
- Cell-mediated immunity plays a significant role in measles.
- Immune responses can be detected early, even before overt symptoms.
- Glucocorticosteroids can interfere with the assessment of cell-mediated immunity in measles.